The Air Training Corps is very much influenced by its parent service, the RAF, and as such, shares many of its structural features. One of which is the way in which personnel are organised. Throughout history, and the many battles fought, an order of command has evolved that categorises soldiers into a defined hierachy. The benefits of which produce maximum communications efficiency and a structured framework for managing task and workload. With various tangible and intangible privileges attached to each 'level' you also get the benefit of incentivising the promotion process.

The RAF (being the youngest service) derived its rank names from the Army and the Royal Navy, who in turn share many of the same ranks as the rest of the world (or they share ours..). For cadets in the ATC, there are four non-commissioned ranks attainable. It is unlikely that you will achieve all four (so don't feel left out) unless you make a serious and consistent contribution to your unit, you are more than capable of executing your duties, and that a post is available. To outsiders looking in (schoolfriends etc), the system may appear superficial, self-absorbed and superfluous (and irrelevant to meaningful existence), but that is not the case. If you understand what competition does to improve your performance in a newly taken-up sport, you may understand what war (the ultimate competition) does to management structures. And just because we aren't fighting a battle, doesn't mean we can't benefit from the most efficient way of organising ourselves.

Being promoted through the NCO ranks is our surest way of recognising your talents and confirming your absolute value to the unit.

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(L to R) Corporal, Sergeant, Flight Sergeant, Cadet Warrant Officer.

All leaders are made; none are born. Some are self-made, most are made in the fires of experience and guided insight (ie they go on Air Cadet training courses). If you aren't a pre-pack self made leader, don't worry about it, courses run at RAF Halton for the Initial NCO and Advanced NCO every couple of months. Ensure you meet the age requirements and sign up as soon as you see the notice hit the board.

It is a sad fact that many of our cadets delay their own promotion simply by 'flying below the radar.' A good example of this is not signing up for the INCO course until they really have to (ie after they have been promoted). This is a waste. Applying helps the staff see who is making the effort to fashion themselves for promotion. On occasion, frustrated individuals may take to becoming disruptive to gain the same attention. None of the staff are psychologists, and have little sympathy for the situation - If you've ever watched the Redbull-sponsored Birdman competition off the end of Brighton Peer, whereby individuals try to flap/glide/fly their way to a prize, you may appreciate the similarities. The best way to get promoted is to 'muck-in,' and sing while you're doing it! The system is impartial and conspicuously fair.

Junior Leaders Course, RAF Cranwell

Comments: The hardest, meanest, badest trial of your leadership talents. You get to wear the maroon lanyard as a symbol of as much of your survival as your graduation. Nearly 40% who are selected for the course fail it and leave with blisters as consolidation prizes. Not for the faint hearted, ask staff for details.

Cadet Leadership Course, Frimley Park

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Initial NCO Course, RAF Halton

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Advanced NCO Course, RAF Halton

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On-Squadron Leadership Development Training, Harpenden

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Areas of responsibility:

Senior NCO: (Flt Sgt or CWO): Overall charge of the NCO cadre, including morale, motivation and group discipline. Ensuring fair, frank and immediate representation of the NCOs/Cadets to the Sqn adult staff and the reverse communication of management issues downwards. Tactical achievement of the Squadron's written goals and values, and 'point man' to the Commanding Officer.

Welfare & Discipline NCO: (Sgt or above): Cadet morale, staff feedback, training of NCOs in 'duty of care' and pastoral issues. Monitoring for unfair treatment of individuals, representing agrieved individuals. Ensuring everyone's discipline is upheld to Corps standards, including mentoring of new cadets. The most challenging but important of NCO posts, not to be applied for without careful consideration.

Adjutant NCO: Distribution of Wing Routine Orders, office general duties, cadet document auditing, finances. Admittedly not the most exciting leadership position, nonetheless vital to the Squadron's continual health. This position allows the CO to make more informed assessments and therefore better quality decisions. If the paperwork is not tended to, everybody stays at home.

Supplies & Logistics NCO: Stores -inventory management, resupply, required equipment compilation, storage order (& tidiness). Recovery of high value items post exercise. Of continual annoyance to the Civilian Committee is the replacement of compasses, stoves, cookware and camping equipment not returned after the weekends. Of mild annoyance to the Adjutant is the situation where a new cadet cannot be issued with full clothing supplies, as eg the beret box is empty. Basic inventory management system skills are given as on the job training.

Training NCO: Assistant to the Training Officer. Responsible for ensuring the programme is distributed to staff and cadets. Maintains a current Programme board, making changes immediately at time of notification. Ensuring sports facilities are booked and paid for ahead of time, as well as making sure required equipment is in good working order and available for the exercises. Liaises with our partner Squadrons for joint exercises. The prime motive force for the Squadron is the provision of interesting and fulfilling training activities, and the Training NCO is key to the the smooth running of this requirement.

Selection Criteria for Junior NCOs, Harpenden Sqn

• Continuously meet the highest standards of personal dress.
• Displays a consistently positive outlook in all situations.
• Is willing to stand up and lead peers.
• Will not hesitate to report any injustice made upon another cadet.
• Is approachable and considerate to all cadets on Squadron.
• Is impartial in his/her judgement - Firm, fair and friendly.
• Is able to conduct smart and flexible SMEAC briefings.
• Is progressing steadily through the academic system.
• Has made significant progress on way to DofE Bronze or above.
• Regularly volunteers to assist staff with Squadron duties.
• Attends Civic Duties (Armitice, Battle of Britain).
• Participates in an inter-Sqn Sport (eg. Wing Athletics or Swimming)
• Will commit to attending the next INCO Course at RAF Halton.
• Will support and assist fellow NCOs 100%.
• Is willing/able to contribute to the upkeep of Squadron discipline.
• Understands the responsibility of promotion, and still wants it.

Favourite Leadership Truisms

• Audentes fortuna juvat - fortune favours the bold!
• Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents P* Poor Performance.
• A stitch in time, saves nine.
• An unhappy army are happy to die with you.
• Look before you leap.
• You can get a lot done if you don't mind who takes the credit.
• Leadership waits for no one.
• It can be lonely at the top. But its crowded at the bottom.
• Bullstuff baffles brains, and brains baffles bullstuff.
• A tidy desk makes a tidy mind (although some might disagree).
• Work expands to fill the time available (Parkinson's Law).
• Make hay while the sun shines.
• He who talks to you about others will talk to others about you.
• Expect the worst, but hope for the best.
• Risk Management: Assume that if it can happen, it's going to.
• An army marches on its stomach.
• If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
• Know thine enemy
• Where there's a will, there's a way
• The worst wheel is usually the noisiest.
• When the student is ready, the master will appear
• It is better for people to think you're an idiot rather than open your mouth and confirm it.